BREAKING: Gbajabiamila Sues ‘Fake’ Agency DG, Demands N15bn Over Defamation

• Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has filed a N15 billion defamation suit against Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew over allegations that he demanded a kickback from a federal agency’s take-off grant.

Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has filed a N15 billion defamation suit against Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew over allegations that he demanded a 48 per cent kickback from a N27.3 billion take-off grant approved for a federal agency.

The suit, filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, seeks N10 billion in general damages, N5 billion in aggravated damages, N200 million as the cost of the action, and a court order compelling the defendant to publish a full retraction and apology.

Gbajabiamila is also asking the court to direct Matthew to publish and pin the apology for 30 days across all social media platforms and online channels where the allegations were made.

Allegations denied

According to court documents, Matthew had alleged during a press conference that Gbajabiamila demanded a 48 per cent kickback from a N27.3 billion take-off grant, claiming N400 million had already been paid through a proxy while another N200 million was requested to secure presidential approvals.

Gbajabiamila, however, denied ever meeting or communicating with the defendant or authorising anyone to demand or receive money on his behalf.

“The claimant has never met the defendant, never held any meeting with him and has never authorised any intermediary, representative, agent or proxy to demand or receive money on his behalf,” the court filing stated.

Defendant allegedly contradicted himself

The Chief of Staff’s legal team also told the court that after being issued a cease-and-desist letter, Matthew granted an interview in which he admitted he had never met Gbajabiamila and had no independent means of confirming the identity of the person he believed he was dealing with.

Despite those admissions, the suit alleged that Matthew repeated the claims during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on July 13, 2026.

Gbajabiamila seeks damages, apology

Gbajabiamila maintained that the allegations are false, malicious and have caused significant damage to his reputation.

He denied demanding any kickback, receiving money through a proxy, abusing his office, interfering with investigations or directing any security agency to act against the defendant.

The Chief of Staff said he chose the legal route instead of engaging in a media battle, insisting the case is aimed at protecting both his reputation and the integrity of the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President.

The FCT High Court has directed Matthew to enter an appearance within 14 days after being served with the court processes or risk judgment being entered against him.